Thousands of cheering well-wishers are expected to pack streets in Harold Hill today (Friday) to welcome Her Majesty the Queen.

Residents are hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor as she comes to officially open the new multi-million pound Drapers’ Academy buildings, in Settle Road.

The Queen will enjoy a special lunch with students and staff.

She is expected to arrive between 11.45am and 12.15pm and leave between 2.15pm and 2.45pm.

It is the Queen’s first visit to Harold Hill – nearly a decade after her first tour of the borough in 2003.

Drapers’ principal Matthew Slater said: “It’s a proud moment to have a monarch visit in what is such an important year for her and a pivotal year for us.”

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